It’s that time of year again – cold and flu season. With a little prevention, however, hopefully you will stay well. Below are my two “go to” preventative remedies, which I find work wonders!

Thieves Oil Spray…..

A powerful blend of germ-killing essential oils – clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary – Thieves Oil helps eliminate airborne bacteria and boost the immune system. Research conducted at Weber State University, as well as other documented research, shows that most viruses, fungi, and bacteria cannot live in the presence of many essential oils. When bacteria cultures were sprayed in an enclosed area, Thieves Oil had a 99.96% success rate against airborne bacteria.

The name comes from the legend of four thieves who were captured and charged with robbing dead and dying victims during the bubonic plague, which killed 25 million people over a five-year period from 1347 to 1352. In exchange for leniency, the magistrate wanted to know how the thieves escaped from contracting the plague. They confessed to rubbing themselves with a special concoction of aromatic herbs, including garlic, cloves and rosemary. Hence, the name Thieves Oil. You can buy Thieves Oil on-line.

I spray it on surfaces or in the air especially when someone in the house is sick. Keep some in your car, purse, at your office, wherever! It works and smells great too!

Fire Cider…

This potent and fiery tonic contains “powerful immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant and spicy circulatory movers….” and has been used as a daily supplement by New Englanders for generations. Herbalists recommend it to help prevent colds and flu symptoms or shorten their duration if you already have one. The basic ingredients are apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, fresh herbs and spices, but folk remedy recipes vary depending on what’s growing in the garden and you can add whatever you like.

I take a spoonful a day straight up during cold season or whenever I feel like I’m getting sick, but if you don’t like the intense taste, here are some serving suggestions.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, frequent hand washing, getting enough sleep, exercising and drinking lots of water are obvious ways of keeping your immune system at peak. But with more virulent and antibiotic resistant bugs around, you sometimes need a little extra boost.